I saw "Drive" today at Cinemark. I thought there would be more, well, driving. There was a terrific scene at the beginning of the movie where Ryan Gosling, as a getaway car driver, delivers the goods with the cops actively seeking his vehicle. But we had only three scenes or so, where his driving skills were needed. It's obvious they wanted some differentiation from the "Transporter" series.

This movie was actually quite a surprise. Let's hope Gosling and Carey Mulligan were not paid by the word, because the dialogue here was sparse, at best. Especially the scenes where both were involved. Bryan Cranston took time off from "Breaking Bad" and is good as Gosling's daytime and nighttime boss. The two heavies are partners Ron Perlman and Albert Brooks. Brooks gets the juiciest of those two roles, as he gets to do some interesting killing.

And that's where the movie takes a turn, so to say. You think Gosling is just a quiet guy going about his business. But oh, he's got a mean streak and can kill with the best of him. And the violence is almost over-the-top, but somehow fits the crimes.

I liked this one a lot. A throwback-80's style soundtrack, a non-glitzy LA, minimal dialogue, all make for something different at the cinema. And for all the driving and violence here, it was one of the quietest movies I've seen. If you were chomping on popcorn during this one, it would have sounded as if you were at the feeding trough.

Really good stuff, one of the best I've seen this year.

Meal of Links

The Marble Rye Lady died. Much scarier in her David Lynch appearances.

Johnny Depp is shown in "Dark Shadows". Oh, I dunno about this one. But I saw a trailer for "Rum Diary", where he plays Hunter S. Thompson again. That looked good.

The Republican strategy to beat President Obama? Electoral college shenanigans.

Exercise Yard

The Indians minor-league team that probably gets the least amount of publicity locally is the Kinston Indians. Well, they are moving. To Zebulon, NC. For some reason, I have never forgotten that Zebulon is the hometown of comedian Lonnie Schorr.

Visitor

47 Down: "Chestnuts roasting..." co-writer (5 letters) Answer: Torme

While watching Bin Laden watching himself on TV...

Today is Kentucky Derby Day. Even if Uncle Mo had not been scratched, this was gonna be a pretty mediocre Derby. Let's face it, the favorite is probably going off at 5-1, which means you don't really have a favorite.

Regardless, I have lit upon two horses that I think have a chance. That would be:

#1 Archarcharch -and-

#17 Soldat

Archarcharch is your Arkansas derby winner. he has one of the best speed figures in the race. But he drew the dreaded #1 post. No doubt, he'll be flying late.

Soldat gagged as the Florida Derby favorite last time out. Maybe Thunder Gulch revisited? He's got the speed and class to win this. If he doesn't get to the front, does he like the dirt in his face? In Florida, that answer was a no.

Meal of Links

The other day, I visited Palookaville Chili for the first time. I had the Texas Beef Chili, Cornbread and Chili Chips. Chili and 2 sides is $9. I just wish the bowl of chili was bigger, because it was really good. I had cheese, sour cream, jalapenos and onions added. They don't add a lot of volume, but just enough for some more kick. No beans and really good beef here, so i understand the pricing. Cornbread was only so-so, the chips very good.

What happens when a merely distinct movie gets branded a "classic"? See "A Bronx Tale" at Cannes.

OK, I understand oil prices took a huge drop this week. But the increases at the pump lately are blamed on speculators and Bernanke.

I turn my head and Gus Johnson may be leaving CBS. I think Twitter exploded the other day.

The new era of Internet search. Answers, not just links.

"Hey, those Muslims make me uncomfortable." So, they are removed from the plane. their destination? A conference on prejudice against Muslims.

TV has officially run out of ideas. Now, it's a second sitcom based on the life of an ESPN Radio host.

They made a movie about Paul the Psychic Octopus. Seriously.

Seinfeld has his own website. Looks like a few clips per day.

Oprah should have waited to start her network. Already fired the CEO.

Catching up with D.A. Pennebaker. That guy knows how to shoot a doc.

The problems with celebrity charity. Lengthy read.

I've picked up a couple of Groupon deals. Here is their model.

This is very cool. The dogs of war.

Exercise Yard

Seve Ballesteros died today. Deserves every accolade he gets today. The most emotional golfer ever, truly an entertainer. Invented the European Tour, saved the Ryder Cup from its negligent period, and a 5-time major winner. If you think Phil Mickelson can't keep it in the fairway, you should have seen this guy. Really a big loss for golf at age 54.

Visitor

48 Down: "Tommy" rockers (6 letters) Answer: The Who

I think I need Glenn Beck's blackboard. Especially now that he won't be using it. This almost seems like a victory for the left, as he'll be off of Fox by the end of the year. But I think it's really a story of making up shit and people getting bored with it. Half his audience under age 50 had left. I used to laugh when Olbermann called Beck, "Lonesome Rhodes", but the truth is he was pretty much that character.

But the reason I need that blackboard is I finally did my taxes. Just in time for the looming government shutdown. I'd like to trace where my refund is heading. Or stalling.

Meal of Links

The thing about the Paul Ryan budget is it really cuts back funding on low-income programs. Probably close to 70% of the cuts are there. That's a huge difference from what the Budget Commission proposed. Of course, the Democrats hopped all over the budget, but you have to admit, it's the closest thing to serious reform we've seen in a while. That's why the D's need a plan of their own. Come up with an alternative to that $2.9 trillion in low-income cuts and show how it can be done. Like taxing the highest 2%. How long will it take to get that in there.

Playing with Spam. I'm always surprised when someone says they've never had the stuff.

Did you see the list of material selected by the National Recording Registry? Steely Dan's "Aja" made it. Reminds me to listen to that again soon. "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and "Stand By Your Man" also recognized. De La Soul, Mort Sahl and Al Green, if you need 'em.

2011's Ten Ugliest Cars. There are some bad ones here.

You asked for it. The Complete Guide to Jerry Seinfeld's Sneakers. Chronologically, I might add.

Mark me down for this one. The Bill Hicks doc is starting its release this week. Better get here soon.

Will Ferrell. MeetGary Sanchez.

The Grammys got revamped again. No more Best Hawaiian, Native American or Cajun/Zydeco awards.

The road to Nashville ends. In Nashville.

Exercise Yard

Speaking of docs, did you catch that surprise 25-year look back at the 1986 Masters that ESPN ran today? Once again, had the best line ever in golf lore for me. Conversation between Jack Nicklaus and his caddie, also his son, on the 16th hole. Nicklaus stripes his tee shot on 16.

Caddie: "Be right."
Jack (bending over to get his tee): "It is."

Jack on 16 (1986)



Visitor

23 Down: His 3,000th hit was a homer (5 letters) Answer: Boggs

The situation in Wisconsin was inevitable with their newly-elected Governor Walker. Trust me, this is the start of John Kasich's wet dream. he's got a lot in common with Walker. They have both rejected high-speed rail and want to balance their respective state budgets with a little union-busting along the way.

I don't think Madison's seen these types of protests since Vietnam. The pictures are pretty awesome. And Columbus hasn't seen anything like this in 25 years.

Time to join Progressives United.

Meal of Links

With the Oscars coming up soon, how about a look back at "Inception"? This deals with the architecture and the mind.

Banksy has a unique Oscar campaign. How can he not be seen doing his work?

We knew it was coming. Post-bankruptcy Borders.

Uncle Leo died. Can you believe he was only in 15 "Seinfeld" episodes?

Uncle Leo



Working at the Apple Store. True confessions.

Why Meg White matters. Maybe not so much today.

One scene wonders. Alec Baldwin: "Fuck you is my name." Also, "Boogie Nights" and "Network". Should have had Wilford Brimley in "Absence of Malice".

Scott Raab talks to Chris Rock. Rock is pro-LeBron, pro-Howard Stern and pro-Louis C.K. and a tip to this funny guy:

Hannibal Buress



The Ghost Signs of Chicago. There are still a few of of these in town.

If Walker and Kasich think they have government employee issues, look at California. Jerry Brown adopted a real mess.

Exercise Yard

Speaking of "Seinfeld", the poisoning of the Auburn trees is nuts. That Bama fan holds a grudge longer than Khomeini.

Visitor

32 Across: #1 tennis player for much of the '80s (9 letters) Answer: Ivan Lendl

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

The Classic.

"The Christmas Song"/Nat King Cole



Meal of Links

Fun facts to know and tell. About Christmas.

Preserving the theatrical window. Movie chains do not want the home market opened earlier.

Le Monde picks Julian Assange as "Man of the Year". I don't know French, but I figured it out.

Can you believe the "Festivus" episode of "Seinfeld" was not going to air in December. Until one man aired a grievance. It was on last night.

All about "Point Break". Now that was an Ohio State quarterback, one Johnny Utah.

Exercise Yard

"The Fighter". And the future of the sports movie.

Visitor

58 Down: "The X-Files" gp. (4 letters) Answer: SETI

24 years ago tonight...

"Little roller up along first...Behind the bag!...It gets through Buckner! Here comes Knight...and the Mets win it! If one picture is worth a thousand words, you have seen about a million words, but more than that, you have seen an absolutely bizarre finish to Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. The Mets are not only alive, they are well, and they will play the Red Sox in Game 7 tomorrow. "



Meal of Links

Here are 8 things you still need to pay for when times are tough. Bald tires and brakes, too.

The 5 best hotel bars in the world. I was in Puebla once, and trust me, it wasn't at this place. I think we stopped at "Ptomaine Heaven".

Lookee here. It's a Johnny Cash auction. They have a lot of handwritten lyrics up for bid. But I want The Highwaymen-signed guitar.

Meg Whitman Endorses Jerry Brown



Catching up with David Simon. He says he could tell the "Treme" story in 5 years.

Food for thought. What if the R's pick up only 35 seats next week. Is it a failure?

Seinfeldian Economics 101.

Exercise Yard

Time Warner Cable (the Devil) finally allowed me access to ESPN3 today. I almost wept. I saw a replay of Napoli and Milan was on (flares in the crowd obviously), but more importantly Cowboys-Giants on Monday Night Football from the mothership is on. The picture? Outstanding.

Visitor

15 Across: "The ___": placekicker Lou Groza's nickname (3 letters) Answer: Toe

I am gettin' my late summer on with an off day today.

Why is my neighbor whistling, all of a sudden?

I see a local resident was commended for stopping a guy who burglarized 8 houses around here. Not too far from me. But no neighbor noticed the dude in a yardful of large TVs? WTF?

The city is opening the Muni Lot at 7 a.m. on Browns gamedays and people are upset? Yikes! And I don't wanna hear people bitchin' about elaborate food displays. This is all about the booze. If you can't get your drink on in the requisite 6-hour window, you need help, man. I'd be more upset at the raising of the price to park to $20.

This blog puts WKNR in perspective. Could be a decent station, only if they tried. Laziest talk ever.

Another local blog discusses dumping the Dawg Pound. I am all for it. Old and tired. Especially on a game day.

Meal of Links

ESPN has its own Beadle-Mania. She'll be on a lot more, I think.

This guy wants you to run out and see "Scott Pilgrim". Like now.

Someone was messing with Uncle Leo. "I'm an old man. I'm confused! I thought I paid for it. What's my name? Will you take me home?".

Preston Sturges films are always a breath of fresh air. I try to watch "Sullivan's Travels" if I see it is on.

Exercise Yard

Jay Mariotti finally got suspended by AOL. He probably won't return to ESPN either. The first I heard from him was when the Cavs were battling the Bulls during the Coach Lenny era. His guest columns for the PD from Chicago were thankfully before the dawn of sportstalk radio, because they were the typical fodder for fans who get easily offended.

Visitor

11 Down: 1969 road movie (9 letters) Answer: Easy Rider

Did you ever take a look at something that obviously needed to be fixed, like a water main, and it seems no one's really in a hurry to fix it? Late last week, there seemed to be a water main that burst or a major leak on Ridge Road by Biddulph. Tons of water.

Later that day, there were at least two other places up the road a piece where the water department was addressing situations. I swear one part looked like Old Faithful. Now that was a gusher. I think they needed those fixed, before they could move on.

It's funny, they had the wood prepared to build their walls around the problem for two days and finally had it constructed today. I wonder if they have to wait for experts, or if they are really that busy. Meanwhile, we still have water escaping in parts.

Meal of Links

Inside the secret world of Trader Joe's. I am not sure we learned any deep, dark secrets, but it is interesting.

Do you remember quicksand? All I remember is that it always popped up when you least expected it. And it seemed like a horrendous way to go. Although someone could rescue you, typically with that large, unattended branch that happened to be nearby.

Karl Pilkington travels the world. And then whines about it. Maybe there will be "Monkey News"?

Jim Jarmusch is planning a documentary on the Stooges. Iggy, not Curly.

TicketMaster knows you hate service fees. They are now attempting to change their policy and let you know upfront what you'll be charged. But they will keep charging for the fees.

20 things to know about travel. I have to believe if we had the same off-time as Europe, we would all travel a lot more.

We will get bombarded this week with remembrances of Katrina and rightly so. Here is a record to download to help some organizations in New Orleans.

Damn, it's a traffic jam. One that goes for 60 miles in China.

It's amazing how things can evolve so quickly these days:

"Bed Intruder Song"/North Carolina A&T Marching Band



Frank Costanza goes home. Reminisces about paella. Watch the video, it's rather sweet.

Remembering Hank Thompson. Get that "Six-Pack To Go".

America isn't buying houses. Key quote: "The number is so low that it looks like a statistical aberration: let’s hope it is. Because if it isn’t, the news is gruesome. It means that despite record-low mortgage rates, people aren’t able to buy houses: essentially all the benefit from those low rates is going to people who already own their homes and are taking the opportunity to refinance."

Exercise Yard

Tim Couch has a new job. He'll be an analyst on a weekly SEC show.

Visitor

15 Across: Linguist Chomsky (4 letters) Answer: Noam

If you haven't been watching "Louie" on FX, you need to. I don't think there has been a bad episode yet. And the good thing is, it's a comedy that actually has laughs in it. I think Louis C.K. has delivered a winner this time around. One of the best new shows in a while.

Pot Smoking on "Louie"



Plus, he uses the chorus from the old Stories tune, "Brother Louie", as his theme, except he uses "Louie, you're gonna die."

"Brother Louie"/Stories



Meal of Links

The comments following this article nail it. I am here to tell ya. Do not fuck around at the grocery. It's so poorly written, I can't tell if it's satire or stupidity.

The Mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu, addressed the National Press Club this afternoon. Even if you disagree with him politically, this is the type of advocate you need for your city. Do we have any of those around here?

Hey, the oil spill is gone! Oops. How are we gonna hide a 22-mile long plume?

Sex Toy? Or Dog Toy?

NME gives us the 50 best new bands of 2010. 50? Really?

The Elaine Benes Look is back. Well, stopping short never left us.

"I Stopped Short..."



Teams with the best QB depth. The Browns are not mentioned.

Exercise Yard

"Caddyshack". "Inception"-style.

Visitor

11 Down: Punxsutawney predictor (4 letters) Answer: Phil

I thought we had a pact.

On the way home today, I saw a semi pull a randy Johnson. It obliterated a pigeon right before the I-77 exit. There were so may feathers in the air, it looked like a swarm of bees. When I passed the ex-pigeon, it reminded me of when Sylvester used to be burned to a crisp. The body was shorn clean.

Then on 77, some guy in a convertible was acting like "The Maestro". He was conducting music as he was driving. Very strange.

"The Maestro".

Meal of Links

More Stieg Larsson news, one of the most popular dead guys around this year. The sequel to "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" opens up this weekend, both east and west. That movie is called, "The Girl Who Played With Fire". The American version of the original is starting to take shape. In the hands of David Fincher, I know it will be good. He will film it in Sweden and has signed Daniel Craig as the male lead. The girl has not been cast yet.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, seemingly with nothing better to do, attacks Paul the Octopus. Paul has apparently spread "western propaganda and superstition". Maybe Mahmoud bet on Germany.

The best magazine articles ever. There are some classics here. Lots of David Foster Wallace.

If you have some time. It's what's going on with James Franco.

How can you lose $9 billion? Ask the Pentagon.

Chicago Lightning Strikes



Another visit to Nashville. The running gag is "still no Townes', but this week, it's Roy Acuff.

Bob Barker disses Drew Carey. Somewhere, where there is a camera, a man from Cleveland is now burning his old TV Guides.

TNR has an Afghanistan symposium. Current life expectancy: 44 years.

Exercise Yard

"Caddyshack" turns 30? Whatever happened to Bushwood Country Club?

OK, this beats the Cavs Family Photo by a mile. Check out the guy playing the fish. And it doesn't take that long to accomplish.

Best Goal Celebration



Visitor

34 Across: Demi of "G.I. Jane" (5 letters) Answer: Moore

Clearly, the talk of the movie world this week was not "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", but "Inception". This was a Best Friend suggestion and I'm tellin' you, it will be the most dissected movie probably since "Mulholland Drive" and Christopher Nolan's other thought-provoker, "Memento". And those two came out, I bet, 10 years ago already.

I always have a hankerin' for these types of "dream" movies. I just saw "Dreamscape" within the last couple of months, and I felt "Vanilla Sky" was vastly underrated. "Inception" borrows the part from "Dreamscape" in the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio is a master at entering other people's dreams.





















So, you get this "dream within a dream within a dream" movie that begs for you to pay attention. Trust me, it's fairly intricate as you go from one level of dreams to another and finally, there's limbo again. Not as much running, but probably as much confusion in this limbo, as there was in "The Lonely Bones".

This is the best movie I've seen this year and probably the best one aimed for adults since "The Ghost Writer". Hard to find fault with the movie. Concept is very intriguing. Casting is spot on (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, all grown up from "3rd Rock", is especially good as Leo's partner), especially when you realize this movie is part heist. It has that let's get the gang together for another caper, with references to situations they've seen before. Effects are top-notch. When Ellen Page is introduced, the Escher-like qualities from the trailer unfold. You get Matrix-like fighting in zero gravity. I am always a sucker for fighting in snow, and the scenes here are mindful of James Bond flicks and "Ice Station Zebra". I wonder about snow camo gear though, because these people always get shot. The only flaw, if there is one, is there is very little humor. I mean, maybe twice, there are things that cause a chuckle.

Many reviews say this movie begs for repeat viewings and there may be a significant percentage of those. The ending offers a spirited debate. And that's another asset of the movie. The fact that it is nebulous allows both sides of the discussion to have a legitimate say.

Meal of Links

How to survive office life. Keep your nose to the grindstone.

Another WWII war hero. Monopoly?

This is unbelievable. Roger Waters and David Gilmour are reuniting for one stop on "The Wall" tour, so Gilmour can sing "Comfortably Numb". OK, the date will remain a surprise. God, let it be here. Roxy Music gets back together, if you need it.

TBS has Steinbrenner Week on "Seinfeld". The brilliant "The Caddy" is on Wednesday at 4:30.

Exercise Yard

A guy, not my Dad, bowls for five straight days. Yes, for charity.

Visitor

None, on a Sunday that is still hot.

Time to address some local deaths:

Milt Morin died. Morin was the favorite of countless kids who were Browns fans in the late '60s and early '70s. he had soft hands, blocked well and ran over a whole slew of defenders. Too bad he predates YouTube, as some of his YAC (yards after catch) footage would be priceless.

Harvey Pekar died. Never read his comics, but Paul Giamatti was perfect in his role in "American Splendor". All about The Pekar Project.

Bourdain Meets Pekar



George Steinbrenner died. Clearly the biggest "What If?" in Cleveland sports. Knowing the history of the Indians would have been different, you wonder how different with The Boss as owner. All I know is when he took over the Yankees, they were shit. Today, they play in a $1 billion stadium, have revenues of $600 million and a TV network (YES) valued at over $1 billion. Without question, this is the funniest "Steinbrenner" appearance on "Seinfeld". Frank Costanza's actions before he confronts Steinbrenner kills me every time.

Meal of Links

Top 15 cringeworthy Tour de France crashes. there are some gems here.

This is your brain. This is your brain on caffeine.

Here is the original Outside article from January on The Barefoot Bandit. And Bob Friel is still tracking him.

Chubby Checker is still twisting. 50 years later.

It sounds disgusting. But it's Science!

One of the cool things about the Happy Dog is that every other week they have a guy spinning old country music. So, I give you, Waylon Jennings, Nashville Rebel. If you can listen to only one of the songs, pick "Luckenbach, Texas".

"True Blood" equals "The Wire". Huh?

More science.

Exercise Yard

I don't want to belabor LeBron's decision, but there are are a few loose ends. And I'm sure more to come. Didn't the Dan Gilbert interview with SI come as close to a mea culpa as we are gonna get. After ripping LeBron on how the organization "enabled" him, he comes up with this quote: "He really never did ask and go above and beyond for material things." Huh? Gilbert goes on to say they enabled him in terms of returning calls, texts, etc. (and lack thereof) and frames that as a lack of respect issue. Fine. But that's not what he implied in his first "open letter".

if you like Matt Taibbi, you'll like his thoughts on "The Decision". (Hat tip to Gale)















(Hat tip to S.)

Visitor

15 Across: Wild Australian dog (5 letters) Answer: Dingo

An interview with the guy who created the girl, you know, with the tattoo. Looking back at the only public chat with Stieg Larsson. Good news on the American movie version. Obviously, in Fincher's hands, that's great in itself, but he's looking at Daniel Craig as the male lead. I see him working here, and I'm actually buying it.

Now, the casting of the girl is what's going to make or break the U.S. film version.

Meal of Links

The fake BP PR Twitter account. Complete with "tar ball" and Marmaduke references.

HBO has started up a Monday doc series. Tonight's, "Smash His Camera", on Ron Galella, Jackie O's "favorite" photographer, was terrific.

HBO giveth and they taketh away. "The Life & Times of Tim" got cancelled. Very underrated and underpublicized show.

That casino jackpot you thought you won? Why, that was just a computer glitch.

"Seinfeld" has made $2.7 billion since leaving network TV. that's a lot of fusilli, Jerry.

Exercise Yard

The 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. The dark ages for US Soccer.

Visitor

14 Across: Contemporary of Ella and Sarah (4 letters) Answer: Lena

I admit it.

To this day, if there is anything written about "Twin Peaks", I just gobble it up. So, here's another one dissecting the third hour and then chronicling the rise and deep, deep fall of the series in Season Two. It includes many clips, including perhaps my favorite subtle one where Johnny Horne is eliminated in the Tibet sequence. You had to be there. And, if you only have time for one clip, watch the dwarf. BTW, read the Comments. It certainly jogs the memory. I think I had forgotten about Harold Smith. Geez, that subplot, one of many in Season Two, just sucked the wind out of the series.

Meal of Links

Ernie Harwell died the other day and there were many good things written about and by him. We were very lucky to be within listening range of his voice. His Hall of Fame speech. Ernie allows a sportswriter to shadow him. Mitch Albom with some memories. Joe Posnanski shares some thoughts. Hard to believe his first game with the Tigers was right after the Harvey Kuenn-Rocky Colavito trade.

Drinking Songs! I actually have several of these in my collection. I'm a huge fan of "The Alabama Song". Richard Butler does an awesome version on that Kurt Weill tribute album I have laying around here somewhere.

More reality series. Starring Hasselhoff, Saget, Danza and Dee Snider. The Hoff may actually die in his. I heard this week he was in some sort of Gumball Rally. Yep, it visited Canada this week. I wish I had a spare $45K. I would do that in a heartbeat.

Jack White says Meg White has conquered her anxiety. No reunion yet.

Remember George Costanza's fiance, Susan? She now plays the ukulele.

Doofus who can't spell ruins stock market for a time. Whoops.

Exercise Yard

His best rant since last year's grades. I think it was Kobayashi who got an F-Minus on that one.

Drennan Goes Off On The Tribe



Visitor

58 Across: '50s-'60s TV Earp portrayer (6 letters) Answer: O'Brian

This is one of those winter patterns of snow...shovel...go to work...snow...shovel, wake up and start it all over again. But it was actually warmer today or less wind or something.

But, like I said, it'll start again tomorrow.

Meal of Links

Thinking of buying something in 2010? Consult this chart.

Now there are sportswriters all over the tube as many have made the complete shift over to TV. But many years ago, Bill Gleason may have been the first and he died over the weekend. When that show hit SportsChannel locally, I was hooked from the start.

There is a tribute album for David Bowie. A typically wide-ranging assortment of bands and tunes.

Slate cranks up the Movie Club. Roger Ebert along for the ride.

The business side of Gordon Ramsay. I swear he must own BBC America, because "Kitchen Nightmares" seems to be on all the time.

"Family Guy" disses Fox and promotes itself on Adult Swim. I'm not sure how they get away with that, but there it is.

It was 30 years ago today. The release of "London Calling" by The Clash. I think I have every Clash record on vinyl, including the rare "Black Market Clash" EP.

21 songs about hating radio. "You had better do as you are told. You better listen to the radio." Great list as we get visits from Rush, Springsteen, The Smiths with "Panic" (an awesome sing-along), The Dead Kennedys, Ramones, Steely Dan and The Kinks ("Around the Dial", a terrific tune), amongst others.

All about the Misery Tenor. And why he won't be singing at any Yankee games anymore.

Exercise Yard

Mike Holmgren showed up in town today. Tom Heckert interviews tomorrow for GM. And here's why Marty Mornhinweg will be the next Browns coach.

You know, the guy who as OC ran the ball 10 times against the Cowboys last week.

Visitor

9 Across: Yeast cake highlighted in a "Seinfeld" episode (5 letters) Answer: Babka

Another Babka?

In true Thanksgiving fashion, Paula Deen gets hit by a ham. This Zapruder-like film catches it all.

Paula Deen-Hit By Ham



Meal of Links

Detroit can't bury dead. And you thought it was bad here.

The best celebrity computer ads. Of the '80s! Oh, look at the familiar faces in these commercials.

More Palin. This time on Canada's health system. Plus the ever-popular President Obama does not recognize the sacrifice troops make.

Michael C. Hall talks about "Dexter". Voice-overs, his character, etc. Season 5 already ordered.

The current state of TiVo. It's subscriber base is eroding.

Exercise Yard

Brady Quinn is dating the gymnast, Alicia Sacramone. Look for Kramer around the 2:55 mark. "Jerry, you stand on the threshold to the magical world of sensual delights that most men dare not dream of!"

Seinfeld-"The Gymnast"



Visitor

42 Across: Guitarist ___ Paul (3 letters) Answer: Les

A trip down Memory Lane. Here is a page (click for larger view) from the PD TV Week some 36 years ago. This predates remotes, cable, VCRs for the most part.

A few things jump out:

At 4:00 on Channel 8, it's "Vin Scully". It must be "It Takes Two", which I have erased from memory.

30-minute soap operas.

Channels 23, 43 and 61 not yet 24-hour operations.

Shows designated Black and White.

Day and night versions of "The Price is Right".

Channel 8 has "Thrill Seekers" on at 7:30!

"Porter Wagner" on Channel 23. Spelling errors back then, too.

A Cleveland Crusaders game on Channel 43.

Meal of Links

Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin will host the Oscars. On paper, that sounds terrific.

The top 50 Movies of the Decade. By my count, I saw 22 of these in the theater. The most recent miss was "In The Loop" which was at the Cedar-Lee this past August for about a minute.

Nate Silver breaks down the election. I think the standout number is young people reverted back to voting form in an off-year election. They don't show up all the time.

Exercise Yard

Derek Anderson is bad this year. Now we have proof he is historically bad. In the last 40 years, through the first 8 games, Anderson's QB rating is the 14th worst. Some really bad QBs have made this list, as well.

BTW, here is what George Kokinis did every day at the office. Advance to 5:54.

The Penske File



Visitor

46 Across: Retailing pioneer R.H. ____ (4 letters) Answer: Macy

You know, Time Warner Cable is still the devil, but they have added some more HD channels for our viewing pleasure. So much so, they have to move some previously assigned channels to make way for the new ones.

These are the ones that showed up only 2 days ago:

Biography, Cartoon Network, Disney XD, Turner Classic Movies (yes!), Fox Business News, Style, Headline News, E! and Hallmark.

OK, how many of those will I actually watch? I can't say.

Then in a few weeks, we allegedly get even more.

The Weather Channel, WE, TV One (I thought they could barely broadcast in standard def), Planet Green, IFC ("Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer", here we come), Fuse, NHL Network, Tennis Channel and CBS College Sports.

Of course, still no NFL Network. They still hate each other.

Meal of Links

Big ups to The Happy Dog. Eric Williams, the owner of Momocho, took over and it looks like his changes might actually work. Amazing what a coat of paint will do for a public restroom and new tables and chairs, including hightops, and booths are also a nice addition. Yes, the menu has been pared down to hot dogs, tater tots and fries. But the dogs! Pretty big and grilled, with about 50 toppings. You order like you're ordering sushi, checking off fresh items you want on a sheet of paper. Very nice!

How to clean like McGyver. Ah, baking soda will help with just about anything.

Charges for the Balloon Boy Family are coming. Best joke, so far: "I wasted money buying 40 yards of foil to be the Balloon Boy for Halloween, when all I needed was a cardboard box." We should all be singing this song today:

"Balloon Man" by Robyn Hitchock



AMC's Fearfest starts later this week.

We all have our favorite TV series. Which ones are in danger of getting cancelled?

Every Kramer Entrance (in Chronological Order)



Exercise Yard

Randy Lerner's Other Team had a huge win today. Aston Villa moves up the table.

While the Browns are sure to be crushed by Pittsburgh tomorrow.

The Randy Lerner Song



Visitor

27 Down: Comic Carvey (4 letters) Answer: Dana

"The Dana Carvey Show" (including Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert)

Is the weeping over yet? My God, there was a grown man crying on the air yesterday with regard to the Victor Martinez trade. Yeah, it's a bad week when you trade your two best players. However, let's take a look at what the Indians have actually done.

Listen, I empathize with everyone and their feelings toward Victor. My God, we signed the kid when he was 16 and was clearly a great hitter from the time he started moving up in the minor leagues. The thing I took away from watching him when he came up was that he was pretty raw behind the plate. And then there were questions of his ability to call a game, throw out runners, etc. But all you had to see was the aftermath of winning games back then, especially in 2005. It was obviously clear after a save that Bob Wickman LOVED having Victor behind the plate. The Old Fart Seal of Approval, if you will. It was as if Wicky Wicky Bob was announcing to the world, "The kid stays in the picture."

But he and CC Sabathia were the last two players who arrived young and performed well after being Indians signees. Many of the current players have come from other organizations and I think this is why not only these trades were made, but it resulted in a concerted effort to get pitching, young pitching at that. In some respects, it's a mea culpa by the front office that they suck at the draft and can't wait until their own guys are 26 or 27 to start producing in the majors. We are beyond the Steroid Era (allegedly) and guys overproducing well into their late 30's. So, the career window is shorter. Hence, someone like a Ben Francisco moving on. At his age, do we see him possibly getting any better? I doubt it.

But the Victor trade had to be made this year. I can only reference the past deal of Johan Santana and any sort of deal this time forward for Roy Halladay, a total fuckup by Blue Jays management, I may add. It's been proven, the longer you wait and teams know you are in dumping mode, you are not going to get anywhere near the haul of talent the Indians got in these two trades this week. Both Lee and Martinez had decent options for 2010, which allowed teams not only a two-month rental, but an additional season, as well. They can also flip them at next year's deadline, if desired.

That's not to say either of these trades are the best work Shapiro has ever done. But the best comment I have seen on trades in the last few days is this one.

How to evaluate a trade:

1-Compare it to other packages offered. (Impossible)

2-Compare it to similar trades for similar players. (Impossible)

3-Wait and see how the players actually play. (Try this.)

And on a cheery note, Carlos Santana's minor league numbers are Martinez-like, but with more power. As of now, he is the best everyday-lineup prospect we have. Hector Rondon could be our best pitching prospect.

Clearly, the Indians have made a philosophical shift to obtain talent instead of letting potential free agents (who will not re-sign here) leave and obtain draft picks. Because, quite frankly, with their draft record, that has not worked. Additionally, they are now taking a chance with younger power arms (i.e., Justin Masterson in the mid-to-upper 90's on the gun tonight) in the hope they can make a quicker rise to the majors. This shift became evident in the amateur draft at the beginning of June and continued with these trades.

So, it's a new era for the Wahoos. One in which payroll will be significantly lower, the age of the players significantly lower (now second youngest in MLB behind the Pirates) and attendance significantly lower.

Let's see how it shakes out.

Meal of Links

A "Seinfeld" reunion. Sort of.

Whoops.

The East German secret police feared that one man could end communism. His name? Michael Jackson!

Robert Downey, Jr...er...Tony Stark is hiring.

Two new movie trailers are out. The first by the Coen Brothers. The second by Wes Anderson.

"A Serious Man" Trailer



"Fantastic Mr. Fox" Trailer



Exercise Yard

When Big Papi and Manny are said to be on the now infamous list of 100 steroid cheats, it's easy to call for the list to be made public. However, it is still illegal to leak that list.

Visitor

11 Down: 1974 John Wayne title role (3 letters) Answer: McQ

Advice for all the kids out there. Never step on your glasses. Mine are currently being prepped to see if they can survive. I banged up my left lens pretty good. I hope I don't have to get a new one.

So, I'm back to my old ones and I can still see!

Meal of Links

Talking about Judge Sotomayor's confirmation chances. Nate Silver has the totals. Current Senators approved, 35-11 in 1998.

Trent Reznor is raising money for a patient in need of a heart transplant. Already raised more than half a million.

Al Pacino will play Dr. Kevorkian. You know, the guy on my Dead Pool released from prison on health grounds who got better after he left.

If you're a sea fish. Plan on big changes. You probably have 50 years left.

Hello, Newman.

Exercise Yard

The Cavs are performing their own version of "Drag Me To Hell".

Quick Postgame Thoughts:

Do you realize Sasha Pavlovic was perhaps not even active (one box gave him a DNP-CD, another had no listing) for tonight's game? But that's the history of Mike Brown come playoff time. Just look at the box score of Game 7 last year with Boston. Guys disappear without much notice. Today, Joe Smith only played 4 minutes. Apparently, enough time to get abused defensively like some of his teammates, as he had a -7 in that time.

Just goes to show you. For all the wasted breath about home court advantage, come playoff time, you must win on the road.

Ben Wallace had only 4 points, but even with getting picked on that Lewis three-pointer, he played much better defensively. His most active game this series. But he was -14 for the game.

Wally: 21 minutes, 2 points. Only 4 shot attempts. Cavs running out of bullets.

I am digging the "Most Interesting Man" on those Dos Equis ads. Stay thirsty, my friends.

For all of the talk about guard play and the bench: Williams and West combined for 12-of-30. The bench scored 14 points. Daniel Gibson enjoyed, what, three minutes of good play? I thought Delonte West came to play today and he made some tough shots. Almost saved the game in the last 7 seconds but he couldn't grab the ball from going out of bounds.

Mo Williams? Completely disappeared late. His last FG came with 6:46 left in the third quarter. Only attempted 3 more shots after that, missed a technical and his last attempt was a missed layup with 8:15 left in the fourth.

It's all about the Orlando threes. Cavs outrebounded them. Shot 45% from the field, 83% from the line. Only had 12 turnovers (LeBron had 8!), which points out how bad they were late in the game when those piled up. Negatives: 27% on threes and only 17 assists.

Overall, not that bad on the stat sheet, but still not enough to overcome 50% shooting and 45% on threes by the Magic.

My old adage: "Never underestimate the pride of the professional athlete". I assume the Cavs will not roll over and expect their A-game on Thursday. It might be the last chance to showcase their talent at home. I sense a win in Game 5.

Cavs lose in OT, 116-114.

Visitor

12 Down: Rumored Himalayan (4 letters) Answer: Yeti